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Quantum-Dot Ceramic Composites for Oxidative Stress Mitigation under Broad-Spectrum Radiation Exposure
Rajib Chandra Das1, Marcela L Chaki Borrás1, Jung Ho Kim1
1Institute for Superconducting & Electronic Materials (ISEM), School of Physics, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 17, 2025
Summary
A novel nanocomposite of cerium oxide quantum dots and yttrium oxide offers broad-spectrum radioprotection by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). This material enhances cell survival across various radiation conditions with improved biocompatibility.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Radiation Biology
Background:
- Nanomaterials can mitigate radiation-induced oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS).
- Developing broad-spectrum radioprotective nanomaterials is challenging due to photoelectric effects related to atomic number.
- Quantum dots (QDs) in composites minimize photoelectric effects and secondary electron generation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create and evaluate a novel nanocomposite (NC) of cerium oxide (CeO2) QDs and low-Z yttrium oxide (Y2O3) for broad-spectrum radioprotection.
- To investigate the synergistic effects of CeO2 QDs and Y2O3 in mitigating radiation-induced oxidative stress.
- To assess the biocompatibility and radioprotective efficacy of the CeO2 QDs-Y2O3 NC across different radiation energies.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a CeO2 QDs-Y2O3 nanocomposite.
- Evaluation of ROS scavenging activity under nonradiative conditions.
- Radioprotection analysis using the linear-quadratic (LQ) model at 150 kVp and 10 MV radiation energies.
- Assessment of biocompatibility using the HaCaT cell line.
Main Results:
- The CeO2 QDs-Y2O3 NC exhibited superior ROS scavenging compared to individual components, attributed to increased oxygen vacancies and a higher Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio.
- The NC provided effective radioprotection at both 150 kVp and 10 MV, outperforming individual CeO2 and Y2O3.
- At 150 kVp, the NC's radioprotective effect (PER=1.07) indicated Y2O3's contribution outweighed CeO2's radiosensitization.
- At 10 MV, the NC yielded a PER of 1.28, demonstrating significant dose enhancement.
- The NC showed improved biocompatibility with HaCaT cells compared to Y2O3 alone.
Conclusions:
- The CeO2 QDs-Y2O3 nanocomposite is a promising broad-spectrum radioprotective agent.
- The NC effectively protects against radiation-induced oxidative stress across a wide range of radiation conditions.
- The developed material offers enhanced biocompatibility and synergistic radioprotective effects.
